Can Weight Loss Make Cellulite Worse?

I am currently losing weight with Wegovy® and have noticed dimpling on the front and back of my thighs.  Is there anything that can improve how they look?  Will I ever be able to show my thighs in public again?

Anon, Whenuapai

Thank you for your question and sharing where you’re at.  Losing weight, especially with support like Wegovy®, takes commitment, and it’s common for new concerns to arise as your body changes.

The dimpling in your thighs is usually related to cellulite and changes in skin structure, which can become more noticeable as weight reduces.  This is common in people of all shapes and sizes, with even the most flawless of celebrities affected.

There are treatments that can help skin quality and firmness such as Radiesse® and Profhilo®, but these are focused on overall skin appearance rather than targeting cellulite itself, and results are usually subtle.

As your weight changes, the appearance of your thighs will also change, so it’s best to wait until your weight has settled before any treatment.  Staying active and building muscle tone can also help support the area, which can sometimes make it less noticeable.

The real key though is to celebrate how far you have come.  Learning to love ourselves by building self-worth can help us see ourselves through a healthy lens of gratitude and grace, where we appreciate how human we are and embrace all aspects of our body for the gift it truly is.

Quick Answers

Can Wegovy® make cellulite worse?

Wegovy® does not cause cellulite, but losing weight can make existing dimpling more noticeable as fat and skin redistribute.

Why do my thighs look dimpled after losing weight?

Thigh dimpling is related to cellulite and the structure of skin and fat. It often becomes more visible as your body shape changes.

Will cellulite after weight loss go away on its own?

Not usually. Cellulite is a normal structural feature of skin and fat, though its appearance may soften as your weight settles and muscle tone improves.

Can Profhilo® or Radiesse® improve cellulite?

Profhilo® and Radiesse® may improve skin quality and firmness but do not directly treat cellulite. Any improvement in thigh texture is usually subtle.

Should I wait until my weight has settled before treatment?

Yes. Skin and tissue can shift again as weight fluctuates, so it is best to wait until things have stabilised before considering treatment.

Is thigh cellulite normal?

Yes. Cellulite is extremely common and affects people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It is a normal skin texture variation, not a personal failure.

If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz.

Radiesse® Medical Device Class III. Lidocaine injectable implant is indicated for plastic/reconstructive procedures in adults, including deep dermal and subdermal soft tissue augmentation of the facial area and is also intended for restoration and correction of fat or volume loss (lipoatrophy) in the facial area and for rejuvenation of the hands. Radiesse® has risks and benefits. Contains Calcium Hydroxylapatite. Ask your doctor if Radiesse® is right for you. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.

Profhilo® containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo® has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Caution in people on blood thinning medicines. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Accelagen Pty.  Ltd. Whanganui.